Holiday-themed films spread hope, peace

STEWART AND REED. Topbill durably popular Christmas film, “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

Hollywood may have many Jewish producers, but filmmakers know that there’s a profitable market for holiday-themed movies. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ, which separates the Jewish Old Testament from the Christian Bible.

In her predominantly Jewish elementary school in Brooklyn, Barbra Streisand used to shout, “Merry Christmas!” When she became a superstar, she couldn’t exclude Yuletide carols from her albums. In fact, her rendition of “Silent Night” is one of the tune’s most memorable versions ever.

“An Affair to Remember” was one of the biggest box-office hits of the ’50s. The sentimental reconciliation scene between Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr happens during Christmas – a happy scene that spreads cheer during the holidays!

Horrors of war

Even the anti-war film, “Young Lions,” starring Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift, ends during the Christmas season. Its message of hope and peace is inherent in the Yuletide spirit, albeit its being juxtaposed with the horrors of war.

Moviegoers around the world loved “Going My Way,” especially when Bing Crosby rendered a well-loved carol with a boys’ choir. His portrayal of a singing priest earned Crosby a Best Actor Oscar.

In “All Mine To Give,” children are separated by poverty during the holidays. The lachrymose movie made brisk business here, because Filipinos associate the holidays with loved ones spending time together!

Viewers also love “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Hollywood’s most durably popular contribution to the Yuletide festivities, especially since its underdog protagonists, James Stewart and Donna Reed, represent the “good” Americans pitted against the “cruel” likes of  Lionel Barrymore.

Their family stands for what is good about the holidays, while Barrymore represents Scrooge, the “villain” of Christmas. Despite the fact that it was filmed over 60 years ago, the movie continues to be regular Christmas fare on television.

Other notable holiday films: “Miracle on 34th Street,” “Holiday Inn,” “The Bells of St. Mary,” “Remember the Night,” “Christmas in Connecticut” and “The Bishop’s Wife.”